Course Descriptions

Undergraduate

AMS 435 Introduction to Epidemiologic ResearchThis course is intended to give students a basic foundation in principles for the conduct and interpretation of population-based studies of the distribution, etiology, and control of disease. Topics will include randomized experiments, non-randomized cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional and ecological studies, causal inference, sources of bias, and measures of effect. Recent publications from the epidemiologic and general medical literature will be used to illustrate the application of the concepts to specific epidemiologic issues. Cr 3.

AMS 490 Introduction to Toxicology IThis course introduces students to the principles and practice of toxicology. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods underpinning the science of toxicology. Selected target organ systems (e.g. respiratory, nervous, and immune systems) are studied with respect to understanding how representative chemicals damage and impair their ability to function. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of how chemicals may exert toxic effects and gain insight into the importance of organ specific effects. Prerequisite: admission to the minor, cell biology, or molecular biology, or biochemistry, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 491 Introduction to Toxicology IIThis course continues to introduce students to the principles and practice of toxicology. The course continues to focus on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods underpinning the science of toxicology. Selected toxicants are studied with respect to their source of exposure and mechanisms of effect. Selected disease processes (e.g. mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and teratogenesis) are studied with respect to understanding their basic pathways and common mechanisms. Selected fields are presented to give students insight into the applications of toxicology and its relationship with other fields.Prerequisites: AMS 490, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 493 Introduction to Research Techniques in Toxicology and Environmental HealthThe student learns a laboratory approach and techniques to study toxicology and environmental health. The term is spent under the direction of a faculty member engaged in a research project. This is a hands-on course with close supervision by technically trained personnel. For those sections in laboratories working with biohazards, laboratory safety and use of biosafety hoods are emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Cr 4.

AMS 495 Advanced Seminar in Biomedical SciencesThe student participates in a weekly seminar on biomedical sciences. The seminar focuses on current topics in biomedical research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Seminar is offered in both fall and spring semesters. Cr 1.

BIO 321 NeurobiologyThis course presents an overview of nervous system function, structure, and development. Content focuses on the cellular and molecular properties that underlie normal function. Prerequisite: grade of C or higher in BIO 109 or BIO 111, or permission of instructor. Cr 3.

CHY 461 BiochemistryApplication of chemical methods and principles to understanding biological processes. Topics include structure and action of nucleotides, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; membranes and transport; and metabolism and energy conversion. This one-semester course provides a survey of the major areas of biochemistry, except for nucleic acids. Prerequisite: a grade of C- or better in CHY 253. Cr 3.

ESP 375 Environmental Risk Assessment and ManagementThe focus of this course is to provide students with an understanding of human health risk assessment as an organized, multidisciplinary approach to evaluating scientific data by studying basic toxicology and fate and transport of contaminants using generally accepted principles and terminology used in the field. Students will examine the limitations of current risk assessment methods and be introduced to the basics of ecological risk assessment. Finally, students will study the scientific, political, social, ethical, and economic dimensions of managing risks. Prerequisite: ESP 101/102K or permission of instructor. Cr. 3.

PSY 366 Drugs, Mind, and BehaviorThe physiological and behavioral effects of drugs are examined in light of current research. Also considered are theories relating to the use/abuse of drugs, tolerance, addiction, and drug interactions. Prerequisites: PSY 101J and one semester of biology. Cr 3.

AMS 535 Introduction to Epidemiologic ResearchThis course is intended to give students a basic foundation in principles for the conduct and interpretation of population-based studies of the distribution, etiology, and control of disease. Topics will include randomized experiments, non-randomized cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional and ecological studies, causal inference, source of bias, and measures of effect. Recent publications from the epidemiologic and general medical literature will be used to illustrate the application of the concepts to specific epidemiologic issues. Cr 3.

AMS 540 Interdisciplinary Biomedical Science and BiotechnologyThis course surveys new development in biomedical science and introduces students to the principles of biotechnology. It emphasizes the recent trend of integration of multiple disciplines of science and technology to advance the fields of biomedical science and biotechnology. This concept of scientific cross-pollination will be demonstrated by lecture series to be delivered individually or through teamwork by experts in a range of scientific fields that cover immunology, infectious disease, cancer research, environmental health and epidemiology, genomics and proteomics, development and production of diagnostics and therapeutics, animal models of human diseases, and bioethics. Lecturers include USM faculty, adjunct faculty, and other invited speakers from local research institutions and biotech industries. Prerequisites: undergraduate biology, biochemistry, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 541 Independent Study in Biotechnology StrategiesThis course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the manufacturing, quality control, and management aspects of the biotechnology industry. This will be accomplished by developing and completing a project in association with a local biotechnology company. The project will be developed in conjunction with and approved by the student's advisor and/or advisory committee. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 545 Applied Biostatistical AnalysisThis course is intended to give students a working understanding of the major types of biostatistical analysis used in laboratory sciences, clinical research, and public health. Topics will include estimation, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, crosstabulations and stratified analysis, life tables, multiple regression, and logistic regression. The course is designed primarily for students with little formal training in biostatistics, but may also prove valuable to other students who desire a course providing an integrated approach to diverse biostatistical techniques within an applied framework. Students will learn to manipulate datasets, analyze them, and interpret the results using the SAS software package. Cr 3.

AMS 551 Immunology LaboratoryThis course consists of a series of comprehensive laboratories in which students learn basic immunoassays (e.g. enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, immunofluorescence assay, immunoelectrophoreseis, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblot assay) as well as techniques for the isolation, identification, and functional analysis of immune cells and their products such as antibodies and cytokines. The roles of T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in the immune response are examined through assays such as cell proliferation assay, cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry. The techniques of monoclonal antibody production will also be introduced. Course emphasis will be on experimental design, and the clinical and research applications of the procedures used. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 555 Environmental HealthThis course provides students with an extensive introduction to scientific approaches to the investigation and modification of the effects of environmental factors on human health. Contributions of the fields of toxicology and epidemiology and the implications of research findings for policy and regulation are examined. Topic areas include toxic metals, pesticides and other organic chemicals, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, vector-borne diseases, pollution of air and water, occupational exposures, injuries, and the health effects of global warming. The roles of local, state, and federal governments in environmental health are critically evaluated, as are initiatives by non-governmental organizations. No prerequisites. Cr. 3.

AMS 560 VirologyThis is a graduate-level survey of virology with a biomedical emphasis that is also suitable for advanced undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. Virus structure, molecular biology, evolution, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and medical importance of major virus groups are discussed. Molecular genetic manipulation of viral genomes for gene therapy and vaccine development is also a major focus of the course. Experimental approaches that have provided significant insights into the biology of viruses and their host interactions are emphasized. Prerequisites: undergraduate biology, biochemistry, and permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 578 Epidemiology of Infectious DiseaseThis course will provide an introduction to the epidemiologic basis for the prevention and control of communicable diseases through the study of specific infections including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, rabies, influenza, and Lyme disease. The course will also include exercises on the investigation of acute disease outbreaks and discussions of immunization, institutional infection control, foodborne illnesses, and emerging infectious diseases. Cr 3.

AMS 579 Epidemiology of Chronic DiseaseThis course examines empirical human evidence concerning the genetic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of some of the most common and debilitating chronic diseases, including several of the following: coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, selected forms of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, neurological diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, and psychiatric disorders. Relevance of the following tools are considered: descriptive epidemiology, experimentation on humans, observational cohort studies, case-control studies, and formal meta-analysis. Strategies for the prevention of each of the diseases considered are critically evaluated in the context of epidemiologic evidence for causation. Prerequisite: AMS 545. Cr 3.

AMS 590 Principles of ToxicologyThis course introduces students to the principles and practice of toxicology. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods underpinning the science of toxicology. Selected target organ systems (e.g. respiratory, nervous, and immune systems) are studied with respect to understanding how representative chemicals damage and impair their ability to function. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of how chemicals may exert toxic effects and gain insight into the importance of organ specific effects. Prerequisite: molecular biology, biochemistry, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 593 Molecular Methods in ToxicologyThis course introduces students to fundamental and state-of-the-art molecular methods in toxicology. Representative methods are studied for exposure assessment, effects on gene expression, DNA damage and mutagenesis. Selected toxicants are studied through the primary literature to illustrate the application of these methods. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the theory underlying these methods and gain insight into their strengths and limitations. Prerequisites: AMS 590 or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 595 Seminar: Journal ClubThe Journal Club is intended to keep the participants current in biomedical science, to instruct them in the techniques of evaluating scientific literature critically, and to clearly present scientific information. The seminar, directed by faculty members responsible for the corresponding core course material and including outside lectures from among the affiliates as well as other academic institutions, will provide the student with an opportunity to discuss practical applications of the core lecture material. Cr 2.

AMS 633 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research and EducationThis course is primarily for bioscience graduate students and teachers participating in USM science education outreach through programs such as the Maine ScienceCorps. The course provides collaborative interdisciplinary professional development opportunities for participating graduate students, secondary school teachers, and science faculty. Active participation is required in scientific seminar presentations, in discussions of readings, and in collaborative development of research based laboratory activities for scientific education at all levels. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Cr 1-3.

AMS 635 Applications of Epidemiology in Public Health AgenciesThis course focuses on the role of epidemiologic principles and methods in the practice of public health. Topics include surveillance of the health status of populations, vital records, disease registries, special-purpose population-based surveys, responses to public concern about perceived clusters of disease, evaluation of the efficacy of public health interventions, the roles of state and federal government in collecting and interpreting epidemiologic data, and the uses of epidemiology in the formulation of policy in public health. Students will work on individual or group projects that involve hands-on participation in the application of epidemiologic methods within a public health organization. Prerequisite: AMS 545 or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 636 Environmental EpidemiologyThis course focuses on the effects of the physical environment on human health. Among the risk factors examined are a variety of pollutants found in outdoor air, indoor air, surface water, ground water, and food. Special attention is given to heavy metals, ionizing radiation, pesticides, flame retardants, carbon dioxide, and others of current public concern. Effects on human development, on the nervous system, and on respiratory disease and cancer receive particular attention. Topics include: environmental monitoring, quantification of exposure at the individual level, hazards in occupational settings, time-space clustering of disease, use of ecologic studies to estimate risks at the individual level, interactive effects of exposure to multiple environmental risk factors, perceptions of risk, integration of laboratory science with population-based studies, and the role of epidemiologic evidence in setting environmental standards. Prerequisites: AMS 545 or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 638 Practicum in Epidemiologic ResearchThis course is designed to provide students with direct experience in the formulation of epidemiologic hypotheses and the analysis and interpretation of data. Each student will frame a research question that can be addressed using a dataset available on campus or elsewhere in Maine. With guidance from faculty, each student will conduct data analyses and will write a report in the format of a journal article. Prerequisites: AMS 535 and AMS 545 or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 673 Epidemiology and Prevention of CancerThis course provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of epidemiologic studies of the causes of several of the most common forms of cancer in humans. The role of genetics, diet, smoking, hormones, occupation, and other factors will be considered. The public health implications of interventions to alter behavior and to remove environmental risk factors will also be discussed, as will epidemiologic issues in the reduction of mortality through screening for cancer. Prerequisite: AMS 535 or permission of instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 677 Regression Models in the Health SciencesThis course will familiarize students with the use of regression models for the analysis of epidemiologic and other biomedical data. Topics will include multiple linear regression, logistic regression, log-linear models, proportional hazard models, Poisson regression, generalized linear models, goodness of fit, and analysis of residuals and other diagnostics. Students will work on individual projects and will learn to use SAS software for conducting analyses. Cr 3.

AMS 680 Molecular Basis of DiseaseThis course focuses on the biochemical and genetic nature of human disease. It will cover the strategies of gene mapping and identification, molecular pathology, functional genomics, and gene therapy of heritable diseases. Prerequisite: AMS 530 or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 691 Advanced Seminar in Biomedical SciencesThe student participates in a weekly seminar on biomedical sciences. The seminar focuses on current topics in biomedical research. Prerequisite: AMS 590 or permission of instructor. Seminar is offered in both fall and spring semesters. Cr 1.

AMS 693 Advanced Research Techniques in Biomedical SciencesThe student learns laboratory techniques used as tools in biomedical research. The term is spent under the direction of a faculty member. Methods in epidemiology, immunology, molecular genetics, parasitology, toxicology, and virology are offered. This is a hands-on course with close supervision by technically trained personnel. For those sections in laboratories working with biohazards, laboratory safety and use of biosafety hoods are emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Cr 2.

AMS 694 Genetic ToxicologyThis course is an intensive review of the principles and practice of genetic toxicology. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods used to study chemical and radiation-induced damage to DNA and its repair. Selected types of damage and repair systems are studied with respect to understanding mechanisms of how representative chemicals or radiation damage and how the cell responds to impair their ability to function. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of how chemicals damage DNA and how human cells repair DNA and gain insight into the state-of-the-art of this field. Prerequisites: AMS 591, molecular biology, biochemistry, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 695 Chemical CarcinogenesisThis course is an intensive review of the principles of chemical carcinogenesis. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods involved in the neoplastic transformation of cells. Selected models of carcinogenesis are studied with respect to understanding mechanisms of how representative chemicals transform cells. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the major theories in chemical carcinogenesis and gain insight into the state-of-the-art of this field. Prerequisites: AMS 591, molecular biology, biochemistry, or permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 696 Metal ToxicologyThis course is an intensive review of the principles of metal toxicology. The major focus of the course is on basic principles, mechanisms, and common methods involved in how metals induce toxicity in major organ systems. Selected systems are studied with respect to understanding mechanisms of how metals induce cellular and systemic toxicity. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the major theories in metal toxicology and gain insight into the state-of-the-art aspects of this field. At each session, a doctoral student will present a lecture on the topic including a review of required readings and directed activities. Offered in the fall of even-numbered years. Prerequisites: AMS 590, AMS 591, either AMS 694 or AMS 695, and permission of the instructor. Cr 3.

AMS 697 ExternshipUnder the stewardship of the student's graduate advisory committee, an externship will be arranged for a student to gain research training at a laboratory outside the University (e.g. industry, research institute, and government affiliates). Similar arrangement can be designed with some modifications for students who are already employed at the laboratory where an externship will be conducted. A written project on the work experience, similar to a dissertation, to be presented and approved by the advisory committee, is required. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Cr var.

AMS 698 ThesisUnder the stewardship of the student's thesis advisor and committee, a hypothesis-driven research project will be developed for a student to gain research training in biomedical science. A written project proposal will be presented to and approved by the thesis advisory committee and upon completion of the research a dissertation will be written and presented to the advisory committee for final approval. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. Cr var.